Things To Do
in High Wycombe

High Wycombe is a historic market town located in Buckinghamshire, England. Known for its furniture industry in the past, the town now boasts a blend of traditional charm and modern amenities. High Wycombe is surrounded by beautiful countryside, offering opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking and cycling.

The town also features a mix of shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions for residents and visitors to enjoy.

Prices

  • 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $70 - $150
  • 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $15 - $30
  • Coffee: $2 - $5
  • 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $2 - $5
  • 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $50 - $100
  • 🏋️‍♂️ Gym Membership: $30 - $60

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Explore High Wycombe's Nature
morning
:

Start your day with a leisurely walk in Hughenden Manor's gardens. Enjoy the beautiful scenery and the fresh air as you explore the grounds.

afternoon
:

Visit the Wycombe Museum to learn about the town's history and heritage. Don’t miss the delightful café for a quick bite.

evening
:

Relax at a local pub, where you can enjoy traditional British food. Take in the atmosphere while mingling with locals.

day 2
Arts and Culture Day
morning
:

Kick off your day at the Samuel Johnson Museum, dedicated to the renowned lexicographer. Explore the exhibits that celebrate his life and works.

afternoon
:

Head to the Eden Shopping Centre for some retail therapy and lunch. Browse through various shops and enjoy great dining options.

evening
:

Catch a performance at the Wycombe Swan Theatre. Experience a local play or concert while soaking in the cultural vibe of High Wycombe.

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Good transport links to London and surrounding areas, making it convenient for commuters.
  • Rich history and diverse architecture with notable features like the Wycombe Abbey and the old town.
  • Variety of shopping options, including the Eden shopping center and local markets.
  • Surrounding natural beauty with parks and the Chiltern Hills offering outdoor activities.
  • Community events and festivals that foster a sense of local culture.
  • Higher cost of living compared to some neighboring towns and villages.
  • Traffic congestion during peak hours can be an issue.
  • Limited nightlife options compared to larger cities.
  • Potential for crime in certain areas, though it varies across the town.
  • Weather can be damp and grey, which may be a downside for some residents.

Best Activities in High Wycombe

Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!

West Wycombe Park

Explore the elegant Palladian mansion and beautiful landscaped gardens

The Rye

Enjoy a scenic walk or picnic in this popular park

Chiltern Hills

Go for a hike and enjoy stunning views of the countryside

Hughenden Park

Take a leisurely stroll through the park and visit the manor house

Tours

Uncover the best of High Wycombe with these unforgettable tours.

Places to Visit in High Wycombe

Visit one of these nice places.

West Wycombe Hill

Offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside and the iconic West Wycombe Park

The Rye

Scenic park with a large open space, ideal for photography and leisure strolls

Hughenden Park

Beautiful parkland with woodlands and open spaces, providing picturesque settings for photography

Food in High Wycombe

High Wycombe, United Kingdom offers a diverse culinary experience with a delightful mix of traditional British fare and international cuisine. From classic pubs to modern eateries, the food scene caters to all tastes and preferences.

High Wycombe Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Bakewell Tart

A quintessential British dessert with a delicious almond and raspberry filling. Try it at the local bakeries like The Works or Jack and Alice.

Must-Try!

Cherry Red Ale Pie

A hearty pie filled with succulent meat and Cherry Red Ale, a specialty of the area. Don't miss it at The Three Horseshoes or The Squirrel pub.

Sticky Toffee Pudding

Indulge in this classic dessert made of moist sponge cake, smothered in toffee sauce. It's a must-try at The Falcon or The Royal Saracen's Head.

Unique Experiences

Get to know High Wycombe better with these unique experiences.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

High Wycombe Market

Explore the bustling High Wycombe Market offering a diverse range of street food including scrumptious falafel wraps, gourmet burgers, and flavorful Caribbean dishes.

Eden Shopping Centre Food Court

Visit the food court at Eden Shopping Centre for an array of options from around the world including sushi, Thai street food, and freshly made vegetarian wraps.

Weather

The climate in this region is classified as temperate maritime, characterized by mild temperatures and moderate rainfall throughout the year. Summers are generally warm, with average highs reaching around 20-25°C (68-77°F) in July and August, while winters are cool, with average lows typically around 0-3°C (32-37°F) in January. Rainfall is distributed fairly evenly across the months, with October and November often seeing the highest precipitation. The area experiences a mix of cloudy and sunny days, with a tendency for overcast weather. Snow is possible in winter but usually not heavy, and frost can occur during colder months. Overall, the climate allows for a diverse range of flora and supports outdoor activities year-round, although the variability in weather often means it's wise to be prepared for sudden changes.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings

In High Wycombe, it is common to greet people with a handshake, especially in formal settings. It's also polite to address people using their titles and last names until invited to use their first names.

Queuing

British people value queuing and expect others to respect the order. Always join at the back of the line and wait your turn in shops, public transport, and other queues.

Punctuality

Punctuality is highly valued in the UK, including in High Wycombe. Arrive on time for meetings, appointments, and social gatherings as a sign of respect for others' time.

Hidden Gems

Discover the hidden gems of High Wycombe with these exclusive activities.

Safety

In general, safety in this town is on par with many similar-sized towns in the UK. Like most places, crime rates can vary by area, with certain neighborhoods experiencing higher incidents than others. The local police work on community engagement and crime prevention strategies, contributing to a relatively low level of serious crime. Petty crimes such as theft and anti-social behavior can occur, particularly in busy shopping areas. Residents are encouraged to stay vigilant, especially during the evening and in less well-lit places. However, many community initiatives and local events promote safety awareness and neighborhood watch programs. Public transportation is generally safe, with good connections to nearby cities, although travelers should remain aware of their surroundings. Overall, residents and visitors can feel relatively secure, but as with any location, it's wise to take standard precautions to ensure personal safety.

Tipping in High Wycombe

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping

Tipping in High Wycombe, United Kingdom is generally optional and not as common as in some other countries. In restaurants, it is customary to leave a tip of 10-15% if the service charge is not included in the bill. However, tipping is not expected in pubs or for taxi rides.

Payment

Payment in High Wycombe, United Kingdom is commonly made using credit or debit cards, although cash is still widely accepted. Contactless payment methods are popular, and most shops and restaurants accept major credit and debit cards. It is also common to pay for goods and services online or through mobile payment apps.

Top Things To Do

Engage in these activities to dive deeper into High Wycombe.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Spring

Spring is a great time to visit High Wycombe, with the beautiful bloom of flowers and pleasant weather. You can expect mild temperatures and occasional showers.

Summer

Summer is a popular time to visit High Wycombe, with longer days and warmer weather. Expect outdoor events, festivals, and plenty of sunshine.

Autumn

Autumn brings stunning foliage to High Wycombe, with the trees turning vibrant shades of red, orange, and yellow. The weather is cooler, and it's a great time for scenic walks.

Winter

Winter in High Wycombe can be chilly, with occasional snowfall and festive events. It's a cozy time to explore the town's indoor attractions and enjoy holiday festivities.

High Wycombe at Night

Nightlife in High Wycombe offers a diverse mix of activities that cater to a wide range of tastes and preferences. The town is home to numerous pubs and bars, offering everything from traditional British ales to creative cocktails. For those who enjoy live music, several venues host performances by local bands and artists, providing an opportunity to experience both up-and-coming talent and established acts. Clubbing enthusiasts can find a few nightclubs where they can dance the night away to various genres of music, including pop, electronic, and hip-hop. Additionally, High Wycombe has cinemas that feature the latest film releases, ensuring that movie buffs have something to look forward to as well. For a more relaxed evening, many restaurants in High Wycombe offer late-night dining, allowing people to enjoy a leisurely meal with friends or family. The town also occasionally hosts special nightlife events, from themed parties to open mic nights, which add an extra layer of excitement to the scene. Whether you're looking to socialize over drinks, enjoy live entertainment, or simply have a quiet dinner, High Wycombe provides a variety of options to suit any nighttime preference.

Hiking in High Wycombe

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Hughenden Valley

A beautiful valley offering scenic walking trails with a mix of woodlands and open fields, perfect for a leisurely hike.

Wycombe Hill

Offering stunning views of the surrounding area, Wycombe Hill features various trails suitable for hiking and walking enthusiasts.

The Rye

A large park area with trails, providing a natural setting alongside rivers and woodlands, ideal for a family hike.

Naphill Common

A peaceful common with well-marked paths, surrounded by mature trees and diverse wildlife, perfect for a longer hike.

Burnham Beeches

A large nature reserve known for its ancient beech trees and many walking paths, suitable for different hiking levels.

Chiltern Hills

Part of an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, featuring numerous hiking trails with remarkable views and varied terrain.

Cliveden National Trust

A historic estate with beautiful landscaped gardens and forest trails that offer lovely views of the River Thames.

Unforgettable Journeys

Delve deeper into High Wycombe through these rare and unique activities.

Aiports

How to reach High Wycombe by plane.

Heathrow Airport (LHR)

Located approximately 14 miles east of High Wycombe, Heathrow is one of the busiest international airports in the world, offering flights to numerous destinations across the globe.

London Gatwick Airport (LGW)

Approximately 30 miles southeast of High Wycombe, Gatwick is the second largest airport in London, serving a wide range of international and domestic flights.

London Luton Airport (LTN)

Situated about 35 miles north of High Wycombe, Luton Airport is a major airport serving London and the surrounding areas, with numerous budget airlines operating from the facility.

London Stansted Airport (STN)

Located around 50 miles northeast of High Wycombe, Stansted primarily serves low-cost carriers and offers flights to a variety of European destinations.

Birmingham Airport (BHX)

Approximately 70 miles northwest of High Wycombe, Birmingham Airport is a significant airport in the UK, providing both domestic and international services.

Walkability

Walkability refers to how friendly an area is to walking, encompassing aspects such as pedestrian pathways, safety, accessibility, and the proximity of amenities. In this town, the layout supports walkability with a range of local amenities like shops, parks, and schools within a reasonable distance from residential areas. The town center features a pedestrianized area, making it more accessible for foot traffic and enhancing the public space for shoppers and visitors. Sidewalks are generally present, contributing to a safer walking environment. Additionally, local parks and recreational areas offer pleasant walking routes. Public transport options, such as bus services and a train station, also facilitate access to and from the town, complementing walkable routes. However, some residential areas may have less connectivity or fewer pedestrian-friendly routes, impacting overall walkability. Overall, the combination of accessible amenities, a structured town center, and supporting public transport enhances the walkability of this locale, making it easier for residents to navigate on foot.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

White British

The majority ethnic group in High Wycombe, comprising individuals with British nationality and heritage.

Asian or Asian British

Includes individuals of Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi, Chinese, and other Asian descent, representing a significant portion of the population.

Black, African, Caribbean or Black British

This group includes individuals with African or Caribbean backgrounds, contributing to the cultural diversity of High Wycombe.

Mixed or Multiple Ethnic Groups

Comprising individuals who identify with more than one ethnic group, reflecting the area’s multicultural environment.

Other Ethnic Groups

This includes various other ethnic backgrounds not specified in the main categories, including but not limited to Middle Eastern and Eastern European individuals.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Football

Football is one of the most popular sports in High Wycombe, with local teams like Wycombe Wanderers F.C. competing in the English Football League.

Rugby

Rugby has a strong following in High Wycombe, with the town being home to local clubs that promote the sport at various levels.

Cricket

Cricket is widely played and enjoyed in High Wycombe, with several clubs offering opportunities for players of all ages.

Basketball

Basketball is growing in popularity, with local schools and clubs offering programs for aspiring players.

Athletics

Athletics is popular in High Wycombe, with local athletic clubs providing training and competition opportunities for various age groups.

Tennis

Tennis is a well-liked sport in the area, with numerous clubs and facilities available for both recreational and competitive play.

Traffic

The traffic in this town is characterized by a mix of urban congestion and rural accessibility. During peak commuting hours, particularly in the mornings and late afternoons, the main roads can become quite congested as residents travel to nearby cities such as London or Aylesbury. The M40 motorway, which is easily accessible, significantly influences traffic patterns, creating a flow of vehicles heading in and out of the area. Local roads can also experience heavy traffic, especially around the town center where shops and businesses attract visitors. Key routes like the A40 and A404 frequently see an increase in vehicles, leading to delays. Furthermore, road works or events can exacerbate congestion at various times. Public transport options are available, reducing the reliance on cars for some residents. Buses and trains connect High Wycombe to other areas, but during peak times, these can also be crowded. Overall, traffic management in the town is crucial, especially as development continues in the region.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting High Wycombe.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian and Vegan Options

Many restaurants in High Wycombe offer a variety of vegetarian and vegan dishes, such as the Vegan Buddha Bowl at The Works and the Vegetarian Platter at Bluegrass BBQ.

Gluten-Free Options

Visitors with gluten sensitivities can enjoy gluten-free pizzas at Pizza Express or gluten-free fish and chips at The Squirrel pub.

Healthcare

The healthcare system in this town is primarily served through the National Health Service (NHS). Residents have access to a range of medical services including general practices (GPs), hospitals, and specialized clinics. One of the main healthcare facilities is the Wycombe Hospital, which provides various services including urgent treatment, surgery, and maternity care. In addition, there are several community health services that offer support for mental health, physiotherapy, and rehabilitation. General practice is an integral part of healthcare, with multiple GP surgeries available to cater to the population's needs. Patients can register at any local practice, and many GPs also offer online services for prescriptions and appointments. Public health initiatives operated by local councils aim to promote wellness and preventive care, providing resources and programs focused on health education, fitness, and healthy living. The area may also have private healthcare providers offering alternative treatments and faster access to certain services, although the majority rely on NHS care. Overall, the healthcare landscape is designed to ensure that residents have access to essential medical services and support for both acute and ongoing health needs.

Discover United Kingdom

Read more in our United Kingdom 2024 Travel Guide.

United Kingdom Travel Guide